Photobook chronicling former President’s State visits abroad published

Former President Truong Tan Sang (R) presents flowers to photographer Gian Thanh Son at a launching ceremony for his photobook in HCMC on April 19 (Photo: congan.com.vn)

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NDO – A bilingual photobook chronicling the diplomatic activities abroad of former President Truong Tan Sang by photojournalist Gian Thanh Son was launched at a ceremony held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 19.

Former President Truong Tan Sang attended the event and presented flowers to the photographer to congratulate him on the occasion.

Entitled ‘Vi The Viet Nam’ (Vietnam’s Status in the World), the Vietnamese-English book was published by the Vietnam News Publishing House.

The 450-page book displays more than 400 photographs taken during the former President’s 30 State visits abroad and his participation at nine international conferences worldwide during his five-year term (2011-2016) when Gian Thanh Son worked as a correspondent covering the activities of the President.

The book, which took Son 10 months to complete, also features the author’s captions and comments, which highlight outstanding achievements of Vietnam’s diplomacy and its contributions to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for the cause of national development.

In his inscription for the book, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh described ‘Vietnam’s Status in the World’ as a publication that went beyond time and geological space to touch readers’ hearts.

The strong imagery of photography can create a stronger influence than thousands of words, he wrote, adding that through his beautiful photos, the photographer contributed to promoting his country’s image and building friendship among nations.

Gian Thanh Son was born in 1957 in the southern province of Long An. He is a member of the Vietnam Journalists Association and the Vietnam Lawyers Association. Over his four decades working as a journalist, Son has travelled to 60 countries.

He has set four national records recognised by the Vietnam Book of Records for photography. In 2011, he published his photobook ‘Dau An Hoi Nhap’ (Integration Milestones) featuring former President Nguyen Minh Triet during his overseas business trips from 2007 to 2010.